Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) forever changed how we view Gotham City and the Dark Knight. It set a dark, atmospheric tone far removed from the campy 1960s series and made Batman a serious character. Batman Returns (1992) followed, further solidifying Burton’s gritty, gothic style, however, the third film—Batman 3—never came to pass.
After Batman Returns, Burton was replaced by Joel Schumacher, and the series took a lighter turn with Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997), which starred Val Kilmer and George Clooney, respectively, as the Dark Knight.
However, “Batman: Revolution,” an upcoming novel by John Jackson Miller, will offer fans the opportunity to experience a lost chapter of Burton’s Batman saga.
Like Miller’s previous book, “Batman: Resurrection,” which was released last October, the new novel takes place after before Batman Returns. Still, it will draw inspiration from what would have been Burton’s third Batman film, which was expected to feature The Riddler.
In “Revolution,” unlike Jim Carrey’s portrayal in Batman Forever, the Burtonverse version of The Riddler is a more grounded, tragic figure. Norman Pinkus, a copy boy working at the Gotham Globe, has already been introduced in DC Comics’ “Batman ’89” comic book series, which, like Miller’s work, is also considered official canon with the films.
Related: ‘Batman’ (1989) Sequel Will Recast All Characters, Including Michael Keaton’s Batman
While the novel introduces new characters, it also brings back the iconic ones. Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne/Batman continues his journey as Gotham’s protector, with Michael Gough’s Alfred Pennyworth and Pat Hingle’s Jim Gordon also returning to the fold.
These familiar faces and their established relationships with one another create a sense of continuity, even though the story is told in a new medium, like “Batman ’89”.
But “Batman: Revolution” is no “what if” story. It will give fans a chance to explore a version of Gotham that was left unexplored on the big screen. While it isn’t the film that never was, its compelling narrative will be true to the tone of Burton’s world.
The book will be released on October 28, 2025. It will be available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats. For more information, visit Penguin Random House.
“Batman: Resurrection” is now available to purchase across all formats.
Are you excited to be seeing more of Michael Keaton’s Dark Knight? Let us know in the comments down below!
